Windows 7 randomly freezes or reboots

Here's my problem: My new computer running Windows 7 64-bit has been randomly freezing up (the kind of freeze that goes on for hours, a total deadlock of the system) or by randomly rebooting whenever I'm in the middle of something.

I know that this is a hardware problem because I reformatted my hard drive and reinstalled the OS and the problem still exists. I am not sure which part is causing it.

Here are my computer specs:

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W
MSI 790GX-G65 AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard
AMD Phenom II X4 945 Deneb 3.0GHz
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA
HIS H487QT1GP Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 (not running in a Crossfire solution)
and two of these for 8GB: Crucial 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333

It's an annoying problem and I need suggestions.

The symptoms involve random crashing and restarting without warning. Initially, this was restricted to Flash, when the computer would freeze up without warning and I'd realize that my browser was open and I'd think "Oh, Flash might be the problem". Only recently did I try using a different browser (Opera with Flash). Back then, the computer would only crash in periods of four days unless I've messed with Firefox or Flash.

When I used Opera with Flash, the computer was able to run non-stop for ten days straight. I don't know why, but I think there were different versions of Flash that caused it to stop goofing around like that. Unfortunately, I then went and re-installed Flash so now this happens on every browser I am using.

I tried installing the new ATI Catalyst drivers and uninstalled Flash - now it's happening during the games I play and more often, too. It's now occurring every day rather than every four days (but that's because I am messing with the system). Same effects out of complete nowhere. This is driving me batty - I've been able to deduce that it's not a heating problem (Card runs at 64 degrees, case runs at 39). I've also concluded it's not a power problem because I'm using a rock solid power supply.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm not sure how to tackle this problem.

 

It's a custom build. I made it myself. I'd love to but I'd have to break it down into several pieces and find various anti-static trash bags.

 

"also on Win7 an easy place to check for crashes and errors in apps is the reliability monitor and just type in the start search box Reliability and you should see "view reliability history" click that and check for red X's click them on the chart and then right click them in the bottom window and choose View Details, then you can copy and past the details into Notepad and then save and attach a few of them using the instructions above to attach files."

I'd do that, but the problem is that I do not get any BSODs when the computer freezes or restarts in those instances - just a bunch of Kernel Error 41's and Windows complaining that the shutdowns were unanticipated. I did get an error about my video card drivers, but I have upgraded them to the latest version. That error was caused by beta software and is not the explanation for the restarts and freezes.

I'll see if it happens on Linux, though.

 

I would try running on a single stick of ram and another power supply in case the psu is faulty. And no overclocking.

 

Don't know if it may apply but check your board manual to see if the memory has to be in certain slots if you're running dual channel. And do try 1 stick at a time to see if you may have a faulty one.

Also which ATI drivers did you install: one Win 7 update found or one of the newer releases from ATI? Some of the newer driver releases seem to have problems with the 48xx series, seems they are better optimized for the 5xxx cards.

Sam

 

I'm using all the slots. It is dual channel and the sticks are in a sequential order. I will get back to you on this.

I manually updated the ATI driver after having to fight with Windows to not get it to use the default driver. The outcome is the same - still crashes.

The Linux thing didn't work out - maintenance came along while I was away and unplugged my computer to work on the power sockets. Oh well.

I do have a new development, though - I'm playing through Metro 2033 and it seems to freeze up more often than most. No graphical anomalies when it crashes, everything freezes, the sound currently playing within the game freezes in time, blasting computer data noise through my headphones the same way you would get if you put in a CD-ROM in a CD player and played the data track.

I borrowed a friend's G15 keyboard and occasionally when it freezes the little data LCD pixels sometimes corrupt - some lines are painted over the text, etc etc.

I hope this helps. I think it might be the CPU.

 

The crashes are happening more randomly than usual. I'm going to try to keep a log on when it crashed where so I can help generate new suggestions. I'm getting to the end of my rope here.

New crash logs here:

1: Seems to crash more frequently during the game Metro 2033 - experienced two crashes in two hours rather than over four days

2: Crashed when I tried to change an Abiword .bak file into a .doc.

 

Ok but have you tried any of the suggestions- run with just 1 memory stick at a time, is the CPU heat sink secure with enough heat sink compound, power supply voltages OK?

If putting any load on the system seems to trigger the crashes you will have to rule out any possible hardware issues.

As a 25 year field service tech I have to rule out the obvious first, even if it seems like it's not the cause. Once we're sure your hardware is OK, then we can move on to possible software issues.

Sam

 

I cannot do 1 memory stick at a time. Windows 7 64-bit requires 1.5 GB of memory and I have 2GB sticks in the computer. I can try two at a time, but I am going to be busy.

I am not sure how to check my power supply voltages.

As for the CPU, the heat sink is on securely and the thermal compound is absolutely fine. Speedfan reports 47C, Tom's Hardware reports that 59C is where the CPU starts to crash. I'm going to try some more diagnostics later on, but I think I may have a lead on the CPU bit.

 

Went through Metro 2033 - the CPU ran at something close to 57C, and I've been playing it for about thirty minutes. I think I may have found my answer - and that answer lies in a new heat sink.

I will get back to you guys.

 

Turns out it's not heat that's the problem - processor ran at 48C idle and it froze. Oh well.

The computer, like it usually does, crashes after I play a game and then go online to view a Flash video. Which is really odd for me.

 

I'm back - and I have some new information on my problem.

1: I stress tested the CPU on a whim with Prime95 64-bit and 32-bit. I used the Blend setting and about ten to fifteen seconds in, the computer freezes. I tried this with the old CPU and the new CPU I just put in and they occur pretty much within the same timeframe. Same symptoms as before.

2: Memtest gave me a good report, not having found any sort of problem with the computer memory.

This leaves the culprits, I think, down to my power supply and my motherboard. I have added no parts whatsoever to the build.

I loathe the thought of having to replace my motherboard.

 

Hi i'm having this problem too.. mainly on internet when i get it. sorry but i dont know how to start a new thread so i came to this one.

the error reports that i'm getting are to do with java. i've tried uninstalling and reinstalling and still getting same problems.

anyone know what the problem could be... thanks

 

Hi,

i have the exact same problem, i hope i can help myself by helping you.

in my case, when windows restarts, it won't pass the bios check, i have to manually reset it so it can start normally.

something tells me that it is related to the sata configuration, either drivers or the way the setup is configured to handle the sata.

let me know if tried anything with the sata if it works please let me know what you did to try on my computer.